More asylum seekers were moved into the Britannia International Hotel in Canary Wharf overnight. Pictures taken early this morning show a group of young men getting off a bus and entering the building, which is being used to house asylum seekers.
The latest asylum seekers arrived by bus at around 5.45am this morning (Thursday, August 14). The pictures show some of the young men running up the steps and into the hotel. Others covered their faces as they got off the bus in London.
New migrants arrive by luxury coach at the 4 Star Britannia Hotel in London’s Canary Warf at 05.43am (Image: Jeremy Selwyn)
It comes after a bus-load of individuals suspected to be asylum seekers previously arrived at the 500-room Britannia Hotel on Saturday, August 2. Tower Hamlets Council confirmed that the Government plans to use the site to house migrants while their claims are processed.
A spokesperson for the council said at the time: “We are aware of the Government’s decision to use the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers.
“It is important that the Government ensures that there is a full package of support for those staying at the hotel. We are working with the Home Office and partners to make sure that all necessary safety and safeguarding arrangements are in place.”
Some of the asylum seekers ran into the hotel (Image: Jeremy Selwyn)
The hotel has seen protests outside in recent weeks, including from anti-migrant protesters and counter-protesters from Stand Up To Racism at the end of July. Around a week later, a peaceful women and children’s protest was crashed by masked men who set off flares, with one arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker.
The latest protests outside the Britannia International Hotel came after similar demonstrations in Epping, Essex. The Bell Hotel became the centre of huge protests after an asylum seeker was charged with allegedly attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl.
Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, denies the charge against him. He is due to stand trial later this month.
Some asylum seekers covered their faces as they arrived (Image: Jeremy Selwyn)
Sir Keir Starmer was quizzed about migrant hotels by the Liaison Committee of MPs last month. The committee raised the issue that many homeless people could be left without accomodation space.
The Prime Minister replied: “I know, which is why I am so furious at the last Government for leaving tens of thousands of asylum seekers unprocessed, with nowhere to live, other than accommodation paid for by the taxpayer.
He added: “There is a lot of housing and many local authorities that can be used. We’re identifying where it can be used.”
The asylum seekers arrived in a red bus (Image: Jeremy Selwyn)
Most Popular Comments
1st Most liked comment • 19 hours ago38
“Always through the night……….Cooper – transparency”
2nd Most liked comment • 19 hours ago36
“One in one out working well as 1678 arrived in three days “
3rd Most liked comment • 18 hours ago33
“If I enter a country illegally I am immediately stopped and deported back to the …”